Pathways to Progress

The Better Beulaville Community Council (BBCC) is addressing the lack of accessible reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation opportunities for rural adults in mid- to late-career stages in Beulaville, NC, and Duplin County. This challenge is magnified by limited access to higher education, training programs, and stable employment opportunities in rural areas. Duplin County, with a population of approximately 50,000, has a poverty rate of 19.3%, higher than the state average of 14%. Many residents rely on agriculture and small businesses, which are vulnerable to economic shifts and automation. Additionally, over 20% of the population is aged 45 and older, a demographic often left behind in workforce development initiatives.

Factors contributing to the problem include limited access to trade certification programs, financial constraints, and inadequate career counseling resources. BBCC’s solution addresses these barriers by fostering partnerships with local colleges and employers, providing financial literacy education, and offering tailored programs for skill-building and career transitions.

Our solution, Pathways to Progress, is a community-driven program designed to help rural adults in mid- and late-career stages gain new skills, certifications, and career opportunities. It provides practical support, such as workshops, scholarships, and job placement assistance, to empower individuals to navigate career changes confidently.

The program works by partnering with local colleges, businesses, and organizations to deliver accessible training in high-demand trades and industries. Participants can attend financial literacy workshops, career counseling sessions, and technical training programs tailored to their needs. We also offer scholarships and stipends to reduce financial barriers and connect participants with local employers for internships, apprenticeships, or job placements.

While we don’t use advanced technology, we rely on a centralized online platform for registration, resources, and virtual workshops, making it easier for participants in rural areas to engage. Pathways to Progress transforms lives by fostering personal and professional growth.

Our target population consists of rural adults in Beulaville, NC, and Duplin County, primarily those in mid- to late-career stages who face barriers to reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation. Many work in agriculture, small businesses, or low-wage industries, which are increasingly impacted by economic shifts, automation, and limited access to career advancement opportunities. Additionally, over 19% of the county’s population lives below the poverty line, with many lacking the resources, training, and support needed to transition to higher-paying or more stable careers.

This population is underserved due to limited access to higher education, trade certification programs, and financial literacy resources in rural areas. Pathways to Progress addresses these gaps by providing tailored career counseling, skill-building workshops, financial support through scholarships, and partnerships with local colleges and employers. By focusing on practical, community-based solutions, the program empowers individuals to secure meaningful employment and improve their economic stability.

The Better Beulaville Community Council (BBCC) team is deeply rooted in Beulaville, NC, and Duplin County, with members who live, work, and serve in these communities. As neighbors, mentors, and advocates, we share a lived understanding of rural adults' challenges in accessing education, career resources, and opportunities for economic mobility. This proximity ensures we are connected to the community and trusted as partners in creating solutions that reflect their needs.

The voices of the community have directly shaped the design of Pathways to Progress. Over the past two years, we’ve engaged with over 300 residents through town hall meetings, family events, and collaborative projects like revitalizing the local park with the Mayor's office. These interactions highlighted key priorities, such as the need for affordable skill-building opportunities, accessible career counseling, and financial literacy programs.

For example, after hearing from local families struggling to afford certification programs, we prioritized scholarships and partnered with Truist Bank for financial workshops. Similarly, discussions with local employers emphasized the importance of job-ready training, leading us to incorporate partnerships with community colleges and trade schools.

The BBCC team represents a cross-section of the community, from local business owners to youth mentors. Our work is guided by a commitment to collaboration, ensuring the community remains at the heart of decision-making. By actively listening and incorporating feedback, we’ve designed Pathways to Progress to address real challenges while fostering a shared sense of ownership and empowerment.

We identified the Pilot stage because Pathways to Progress has been launched in Beulaville, NC, where it actively engages the community while refining its design and delivery. Over the past year, we have implemented key program components, including financial literacy workshops in collaboration with Truist Bank and initial career counseling sessions for residents. These efforts have supported over 50 individuals exploring career transitions and skill-building opportunities.

We have also initiated the discussion around creating a partnership with the local community college to introduce small cohort-based trade certification workshops and technical training programs. Furthermore, we have gathered feedback from participants, local churches, and employers to ensure the program aligns with community needs and priorities.

Initial funding from local donations and partnerships has enabled us to provide resource-driven programs and supplies. This foundation demonstrates that the program is operational, achieving early success, and continuously evolving based on community insights and data.

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Pathways to Progress is innovative because it combines a hyper-localized, community-driven approach with practical, scalable solutions tailored to the unique challenges of rural areas. Unlike traditional workforce development programs that often prioritize urban settings or younger demographics, our solution specifically targets mid- to late-career adults in rural communities like Beulaville, NC, addressing gaps in access to resources, career counseling, and affordable training opportunities.

What sets our solution apart is its emphasis on community co-creation. By integrating feedback from local residents, employers, and organizations, we’ve built a program that reflects the community’s needs and values, ensuring its relevance and impact. For example, our partnerships with churches and local employers provide resources and a trusted network of support, which is vital in rural settings where strong social ties are.

Our model also integrates holistic support, including financial literacy workshops, scholarships, and mental health resources, recognizing that adult career transitions involve financial, emotional, and logistical challenges. This comprehensive approach creates a blueprint for other rural areas, demonstrating how to bridge gaps in access and opportunity through community-based solutions.

By focusing on trade certifications and industry-aligned skills in high-demand sectors, Pathways to Progress addresses local economic needs and empowers participants to achieve sustainable, long-term growth. As this model gains traction, it can potentially transform the rural workforce development landscape, influencing broader policy and inspiring other organizations to prioritize community-driven solutions for underserved populations.

Impact Goals

1. Empower Rural Adults to Achieve Economic Mobility

   • Goal: Equip 500+ rural mid- to late-career adults with the skills, resources, and certifications needed to transition into high-demand careers within the next three years.
   • Measurement: Track the number of participants who complete certification programs, secure employment in their chosen fields, or receive promotions.

2. Strengthen Local Workforce Resilience

   • Goal: Increase the availability of skilled labor in Duplin County by fostering partnerships with at least 10 local businesses and community colleges to provide training aligned with industry needs.
   • Measurement: Monitor the number of partnerships formed and the types of jobs participants secure post-training.

3. Enhance Financial Literacy and Stability

   • Goal: Provide financial literacy training to 200+ participants annually, enabling them to navigate career transitions with confidence.
   • Measurement: Track pre- and post-workshop financial literacy assessments, as well as the percentage of participants who report improved budgeting, savings, or debt management.

4. Foster Holistic Community Well-being

   • Goal: Address barriers to career success by offering mental health resources, mentorship, and access to childcare and transportation for at least 50% of program participants by 2026.
   • Measurement: Evaluate participant feedback on access to holistic resources and measure improvements in program retention and completion rates.

Indicators to Measure Progress

1. Employment Outcomes: Percentage of participants securing employment, promotions, or wage increases after program completion.
2. Educational Attainment: Number of participants earning certifications or completing skill-building workshops.
3. Partnership Development: Growth in partnerships with local employers, colleges, and community organizations.
4. Financial Stability Metrics: Improvements in self-reported financial stability and literacy post-program.
5. Participant Feedback: Regular surveys and interviews to measure satisfaction, perceived program value, and areas for improvement.

Full-time staff: 0

Part-time staff: 4

Contractors or other workers: 3

We have been working on our solution for 1 year.

At Better Beulaville Community Council (BBCC), diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our mission and operations. Our team is intentionally diverse, reflecting the demographics and cultural richness of Duplin County and rural North Carolina. Our leadership includes individuals from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as those with lived experiences of the challenges we aim to address, such as career transitions, financial instability, and limited access to resources in rural areas.

To minimize barriers to opportunity for staff, we prioritize equitable hiring practices, offering flexible roles that accommodate caregivers, parents, and individuals with unique needs. We actively seek input from team members and community partners to ensure our workplace is welcoming and accessible, including offering remote work options and accommodating schedules to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Additionally, we provide professional development opportunities for all staff, enabling them to grow within the organization and advance their careers.

Our team participates in ongoing DEI training to ensure that we cultivate a culture where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. Community feedback also plays a vital role in shaping our programs and initiatives. By integrating diverse perspectives from participants, local leaders, and stakeholders, we ensure that our work aligns with the needs and priorities of the populations we serve.

Our DEI goals include increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in leadership roles, creating mentorship pipelines for staff advancement, and continuously evaluating our organizational practices to eliminate bias. BBCC is committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration, equity, and meaningful impact for our team and the communities we serve.

Key Beneficiaries

Our primary beneficiaries are rural adults in Beulaville, NC, and Duplin County, particularly those in mid- to late-career stages who face challenges in reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation. These individuals benefit from affordable and accessible training opportunities, career counseling, financial literacy programs, and holistic support services.

Value Proposition

We provide tailored, community-driven services that empower individuals to transition into sustainable, high-demand careers. By addressing financial, logistical, and emotional barriers, we offer a comprehensive solution that fosters economic mobility and personal growth.

Products and Services

1. Skill-building and training programs: Delivered in partnership with community colleges and trade schools, offering certifications in high-demand industries.
2. Career counseling and navigation: Personalized support to help individuals explore career options and prepare for transitions.
3. Financial literacy workshops: Helping participants budget, save, and plan for career changes.
4. Resource support: Scholarships, stipends, and access to childcare and transportation to reduce barriers.
5. Holistic wellness services: Mental health resources, mentorship, and community connections to foster stability.

Delivery Channels

• In-person workshops and events in collaboration with local partners.
• Online platform for registration, virtual workshops, and access to resources.
• Partnerships with employers for on-the-job training and job placements.

Revenue Model

Our revenue streams include:

1. Grants and donations: Secured from foundations, local businesses, and community organizations.
2. Corporate partnerships: Contributions from employers benefiting from skilled labor pipelines.
3. Program fees: Minimal fees for certain services, waived for low-income participants.

Why They Want It

Beneficiaries seek our services to overcome the challenges of rural isolation, limited career opportunities, and economic uncertainty. Employers value our solution for creating a skilled local workforce that meets industry demands. By aligning community needs with actionable support, Pathways to Progress creates long-term value for all stakeholders.

Revenue Streams

1. Grants and Donations: We actively pursue small grants from local foundations, churches, and civic organizations, as well as individual donations. For example, in FY 2024, we secured funding from small church grants and community sponsorships totaling $3,500, which directly supported program delivery and outreach.

2. Community Partnerships and In-Kind Support: We collaborate with local businesses, churches, and colleges that provide space, resources, and expertise at reduced or no cost. These partnerships have enabled us to deliver workshops and programs while keeping operational expenses low.

3. Board Contributions and Local Fundraising: Our board members contribute through annual dues, and we host community fundraising events that raise awareness and generate additional revenue. These efforts resulted in $1,750 in FY 2024.

4. Future Plans for Service Fees: As the program scales, we plan to introduce nominal fees for workshops and training, which will be waived for low-income participants. This model ensures accessibility while gradually building a self-sustaining structure.

Evidence of Success

Our initial success includes securing funding for two fiscal years, which allowed us to launch and expand our pilot programs. Partnerships with local colleges and businesses have resulted in in-kind donations of training spaces and materials. Additionally, community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, driving increased interest and participation.

By focusing on community-driven fundraising, resource-sharing partnerships, and small-scale service fees, Pathways to Progress is building a financially sustainable model that supports rural workforce development while adapting to the needs of the community.

We are applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards because Pathways to Progress has the potential to transform the economic landscape for rural adults in Beulaville, NC, and beyond. However, as a small organization in the Pilot stage, we face critical barriers in scaling our impact, including limited funding, technical expertise, and access to broader networks. Partnering with the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve offers an invaluable opportunity to address these challenges. 

Working with the Truist Foundation would provide us with the financial resources to expand our programs, develop robust infrastructure, and reach more individuals in need. The mentorship and expertise from MIT Solve would help refine our solution, strengthen our evaluation methods, and enhance our use of technology for program delivery. For example, MIT Solve’s network could assist us in improving our online platform for career navigation and resource accessibility, ensuring it effectively serves rural populations.

Additionally, participation in the Inspire Awards would connect us with other innovators and stakeholders, fostering collaborations that could open new pathways for funding and program development. Access to workshops, resources, and expert guidance would enable us to overcome the limitations of being a small, community-based organization and scale our impact sustainably.

By working with the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve, we can enhance our solution’s effectiveness, reach, and long-term viability, ultimately empowering more rural adults to achieve economic mobility and stability.